Security and storage habits of NZ SMBs

Last year Symantec identified 750,000 different types of malicious code – more than the amount of legitimate code that was written. With this exponential increase comes a vastly amplified threat landscape, but Symantec’s recent survey on internet security and storage behaviours shows that the majority of New Zealand SMBs now have a multifaceted approach to security with a strong deployment of multiple layers to maximise security protection. Other key findings showed there is legitimate concern over the risks incurred through the use of Web 2.0 applications and mobile devices. Sixty-eight percent of those surveyed saw mobile devices as a threat to the security of their business. Steve Martin, Manager, Mid Market, Pacific, for Symantec said, “We are seeing a lot of attacks starting to target mobile phone devices, devices that have access to our business networks – they are a client on our network and they need to be thought of in that light and need to be protected as you would a laptop or desktop device.” On the Web 2.0 front, SMBs are re-examining their approach to security as the ‘millennials’ (anyone born after 1980) enter the workforce. “The millennial workforce is really changing the way that people are using technology to drive their business forward, but it does blur the lines for security,” said David Dzienciol, Senior Director, Sales and Channels, Pacific, for Symantec.Survey results also showed the acceptance of backup and recovery solutions as an important part of best practice. Although 81% have a fully automated backup system, only 34% of SMBs surveyed believe they have recovered lost data in the last year, which appeared a small number to Martin who suggested that “a number of SMBs aren’t aware of what is available from a technology stand point” and might recover lost data if only they knew how. The final major finding showed that SMBs are embracing green IT with 55% believing that software is part of a green IT solution. Despite the buzz around virtualisation, surprisingly only 14% of SMBs have adopted server virtualisation so far.